How to Install a Starter on a Toyota Pickup Truck

by Christian Killian

Installing a starter in your Toyota pickup is a good home project that you can do in the garage or driveway on the weekend. If there is a starter on the truck already, you will need to remove it. The Toyota trucks, both two and four wheel drive have plenty of room under the engine to reach all the bolts and wiring, making the job a little smoother. New starters are available from any auto parts store.

Step 1

Open the hood and locate the negative battery cable. Loosen the retaining bolt on the negative cable end with a wrench then remove the cable from the battery. Set it aside for now.

Step 2

Position a jack under the front of your Toyota Pickup and raise it off the ground. Position a set of jack stands under the front suspension to support the truck then remove the jack.

Step 3

Locate the starter on the passenger's side of the engine then find the wiring harness connectors on the starter. There are two connections, a push on connector, Terminal 50 and a stud and nut type terminal, the "B" terminal.

Step 4

Grasp the push on connector by the connector body and pull it off terminal 50. Remove the nut from the "B" terminal with a socket and ratchet and remove the cable from the stud.

Step 5

Move to the bell housing area and locate the two mounting bolt that retain the starter. Remove the two bolts with a socket and ratchet while supporting the starter with one hand. Lower the starter down and out of the engine compartment.

Step 6

Raise the new starter into position on the engine and slide the nose of the starter into the hole in the bell housing. Install the two mounting bolts then torque them to 30 foot-pounds with a torque wrench.

Step 7

Install the wiring harness connectors on the starter. Install the push on connector to Terminal 50, making sure it seats completely. Install the ring connector on the "B" terminal followed by the retaining nut. Tighten the nut with a socket and ratchet.